Sydney Susan

Nana said: her vomiting seems to be uncontrollable due to the staples in her stomach
Why would the staples per se make her vomit? People havw staples or clips for all sorts of operations - have had cancer I'm full of the darned things. I have impacts from the tissues that were operated on, but not from the staples themselves - they are specifically selected to be inert.
Do you mean her reduced stomach size causes her to vomit? Just like the lapband, eat too much or too fast and stuff will come back up. Personally I've never vomited (I have the sleeve), but I chew well and never gulp food.
As people have said, you have to work with whatever surgery you have - and getting the surgery you intuitively feel most comfortable with is a good first step to making that happen consistently.

I believe that's how it is in Australia too. I see a liver surgeon for a completely different issue and he warned me off the band, because he'd had to operate on people who had the band erode right through their stomach, spilling their stomach contents throughout their peritoneum. I've also heard people say/write that band removal is better thought of as a revision than a reversal, as scar tissue permanently changes the stomach. While I've seen rates of follow up of 100% of bankers (ie: everyone has their initial band moved, removed or replaced at some time), I don't know any stats re % of people with scaring that causes issues long term.
I have the sleeve and have no issues at all - eat well, all foods, feel good, no dumping. Although the sleeve has more short term complications (up to 8 weeks), it has v v few long term problems.
Given my own personal experience and the things I've been told, I can imagine doctors would prefer to avoid the band.

In Australia we have something called a "burkini", favoured by devout Muslim girls. Literally head to toe covering! Personally I recommend you just enjoy the beach!

In Australia we have something called a "burkini", favoured by devout Muslim girls. Literally head to toe covering! Personally I recommend you just enjoy the beach!

After I lost around 20% of my body weight -and over a weekend, it seemed - my boobs seemed to deflate as if someone put a pin in them! They are probably same size overall (lost weight off my back which has decreased band size) as cup size still seems ok but they are much softer (floppier, dare I say, though that's probably TMI). I'm quite pleased as I'm over 50 and in regular mammogram territory - last one was agony and radiologist mentioned my breasts were "unusually firm for a woman of your age" (!?). Hopefully next ones will be easier.

I don't think all meds have to be taken crushed or liquid form - I started back on my tablets (of which I take several prescription tabs, one large) day after surgery. One at a time and v slowly but 7 months out I've never once had a problem.

Hi Hayley. Well no doubt you will get a huge number of responses on this newly integrated site. And we'll have opinions that don't align tidily, so I bet you still are confused at the end! But it seems I get to go first...
I have sleeve, which seems to be done very similarly in Australia to the US, although perhaps with slightly longer stays in hospital. We also have a very different private insurance scheme to the US, and insurance company approval is not an issue - it's entirely between you and your dr, and your health insurance either covers bariatric surgeries or it doesn't. Also, for me at least there was no difference in the cost - my dr offered all options and all were the same price.
I understand that satisfying insurance requirements and cost is a big issue for many... And influences the decisions of some. But as I said, not me.
Why not the band? I don't like the thought of a foreign object inside me (I'm a near-miss cancer survivor, which may be a factor in the absolute repulsion I have about that), and I'd also heard terrible stories of bands eroding through stomachs etc. I also didn't want to worry about bands slipping, regular visits to Dr to increase or decrease the band etc.
Why not the gastric bypass or duodenal switch? My BMI was just over 36 so I was never really a candidate for those, although I had a lot of co-morbidities. I didn't feel I needed something that drastic and I didn't want malabsorption. I wasn't sure I could live with that long term.
Why the gastric sleeve? I wanted something permanent - I've had problems with hunger and portion size all my life although my weight really only got out of control after the cancer, which took an enormous toll on my body. I wanted Portion Control and hunger reduction and sleeve does both of these. After the first 6 weeks, sleeve complication rates are lower than the band, and that appealed too.
How long and how much? 6.5 months and 26kg. The amount is less than predicted but my thyroid packed up early in month 3, and is only just now recovering. Weight loss was 22kg by 9 weeks and 4 kg since... But I haven't exercised a great deal as I've felt so awful (from the thyroid). I'm just picking up again now.
Problems? Reflux is sometimes better and sometimes worse than pre-sleeve.
Would I do it again? Yes! I eat normally now though avoid carbs (by choice). Nothing I can't eat. Have a glass of wine occasionally. Feel very much in control of portion size, which is tremendous. People who don't know me think im a small portion size, slow eater - that's all. Slower weight loss means I've had no trouble with hair loss and my skin is in pretty good shape.
What else you should know...
1. I'm 53. If I was a lot younger I may not be as keen on a permanent solution. Don't know, as my eating habits feel very natural now.
2. I had a very good surgery and recovery but not everyone is so lucky - go in with your eyes wide open! It's not a small surgery.
3. I had an easy adjustment to the sleeve - I was begging for restriction and never once regretted it. Again, not everyone is the same. But I really didn't feel physically better and able to eat and do a little more each day. I took on your new foods very slowly, so my stomach was well healed before I tried each one.
4. (So far) I've never vomited or had dumping syndrome.
Good luck with your decision.

If your thyroxine levels have been correctly modified by medication you won't lose hair at all. Speak to your endocrinologist about this one. I am quite alarmed to hear you were losing hair as a result of under active thyroid (pre-sleeve). I've had under-active thyroid problems for 30 years and have lost v little hair - if any - when medicated.

Compliments are great - obsession is not. I suggest some of your colleagues don't have enough to do. And yes, wanting to take even a single photo of your butt is "off", let alone a series to show the changes. Your VP needs to know that too.
I am assuming mostly women are making these comments. Perhaps point out how creepy - and inappropriate - it would be if men were to make the same comments.
And a few loud reminders that you want them to be amazed by your brain, wit, persistence, creativity etc, might help to rein them in a bit.
Good luck.

It sounds like you have a few issues to address. Firstly, you seem to have doubts about how well your op was done - NO food restrictions! Wow. I would be getting an independent medical review that ends with confirming your sleeve was done appropriately - or not - in regard to size/volume. Once that is confirmed, get an endocrine system full check - I'm particularly thinking of your thyroid function. Underactive thyroid is very common, and should be excluded. Even "subclinical" results (normal, but only just) can cause many symptoms like full blown thyroid dysfunction, including weight gain. Finally (or perhaps first), are you recording your diet? Many, many people on this forum will tell you they need to eat less than 1000 cal per day, low fat, low carb and zero alcohol in order to lose weight.
With such a limited outcome over a year (unless you didn't have much to lose in the first place) you need to be systematic - and diligent - to get to the bottom of this.
Good luck.

Hi all and Happy New Year - great to hear from you Aussie girl! I too have put some weight on after maintaining for nearly 6 months! I have been eating crap over Christmas and it has finally come home to roost! I have also noticed that over that last month or so I can eat larger quantities so this has probably got something to do with it. So my goal now is to cut out all rubbish and watch my portion sizes and snacking between meals ( I obviously don't need the Snacks if I am eating more at meal times). I have finally joined the gym but have lost momentum over Christmas. I think I will buy myself a personal training package to get me going again for the year. Unfortunately I can't blame muscle gain on my weight gain as I just haven't been doing enough! Regarding stalls - I have come to the conclusion that some people's bodies just hold onto weight more than other people. I agree with everyone's advise on just sticking to the program - even if you are only dropping and average of 500 grams a week, if you add the weeks up it is a significant weight loss and more that most people could hope to achieve without the sleeve. My only advise is focus on developing healthy eating habits now as when you get to maintenance it is that much harder to break any habits you have formed over the great weight loss window of 6 months or so - I am learning the hard way and my surgeon did warn me about this (but who listens to the doctors all the time right!).
I think it is nearly time for another Sydney Siders get together - Kelli - when did you say you would be in Sydney? Hope you can make it Aussie girl and Susan? All welcome of course!

Thanks it was a blast!
All, I am cutting back the amount of time that I spend on this site. One of my goals for 2014 is to find balance in my life and that means spending less time in front of the computer. I am not quitting completely as i don't want to lose touch with you. If anyone wants to add me on Facebook please send me a PM with your name or email and I will add you. People say they have trouble finding me on Facebook.

Happy new year!

Merry Christmas everyone, congratulations to all of you and good luck, good health and prosperity to you all for 2014. Thank you all for the stories and support. Well my Christmas goal was to be at 95kgs, I have fallen a bit short but very happy I hit 100kgs yesterday which marked 8 weeks and 21 kgs down (35 to go) I am loving my new job and met a man over the last few weeks (first nice guy in many years, well first guy in many years). I had been plagued with back problems for some years and 8 weeks ago I walked with a stoop and a stick and was lucky to walk 10 meters without having to sit down as I lost feeling in my legs and feet and the pain was excruciating. I still have nerve issues and a dodgy hip but yesterday I walked 2 city blocks to meet old friends for lunch and back 2 city blocks to work without having to sit down. I was more stoked about the ability to walk than the lunch ( in the past would have shouted myself a big meal regardless the cost because it was an outing and caught a cab cause I couldn't walk that far in a lunch break, yesterday i had 1/4 of an entree at $6.50 and walked back to work). Photo below top and bottom left me a month before I started, top and bottom middle 4 weeks out, pic far right a week ago at the work Christmas morning tea. Hope you all have a great Christmas Day where ever you are.

Merry Christmas too all of my friends on this thread. Thank you for your wonderful support over the past year. You have all helped make the journey more enjoyable and I am so proud of the success we have all achieved so far. I wish you good health and happiness in 2014 and hopefully will meet a few more of you in the new year too.

Hi everyone
Hope you are all getting ready for Christmas!
I went to the races over the weekend and had an amazing time It was the first time that I have been out that I felt (1) Normal and (2) pretty It was such a great day! Lots of fun, compliments and a few cute guy's were met I am looking forward to 2014 that's for sure!
So as promised here are photo's from the day - had a few with friends who are cool with me posting here...have a great Christmas all and I look forward to catching up with you in the New Year!
I will add the before shot so you can see the difference
Cheers, Liss

My psych told me that even after being sleeved I can still gain back everything I lose. She said its my behavior habits and eating the wrong foods that will not make me successful after the surgery. We need to change our lifestyles beginning with our minds. Nothing like putting your body through all this pain and stress thinking the sleeve works on its own and then gain the weight back. The sleeve will help you in the beginning and it will restrict the portions you eat however in time as you learn what foods can stay down ..that's when the bad behaviors kick in and your back to point zero again. My Dr said a girl ate mashed potatoes and gravy and after 7 weeks she gained 15 pounds again..that's where the idea of "quick fix" comes Along and people misjudge us. Its a challenge and hardwork and is not an easy fix..just a tool to help us. Best of luck to all of us..

Both my parents died before the age of 60 - they knew none of their grandchildren and would have been terrific grandparents. One had cancer and the other heart disease. Both were overweight but not morbidly so.
Earlier this year, aged 52, I realised I was heavier than they were, had survived cancer once and am under investigation for another, my cholesterol was/is high, I have sleep apnoea and use a CPAP, have bad reflux and my joints were breaking down under my growing weight.
I looked far more likely to die young than my parents ever did - and I'd spent my life trying to eat healthy (though i was hungry all the time and my portions were too large) and exercise (mainly walking, but a lot of it). A friend decided to get the lapband and that made me take a serious look at WLS.
So far 20+ kg lighter, able to exercise more as my joints don't hurt as much and reflux doesn't make me cough constantly, as it used to. My sleep apnoea is improving and I'm looking forward to seeing some improvements in my blood work. No regrets.

I think when a lot if us go into this we forget or just don't realize this is a MAJOR surgery, I know I did.
Don't let the little scars fool you...
Now it's going to take time to recover.
You are less than a week out. The only thing you should be doing is concentrating on healing, that means resting, hydrating, walking around a bit and resting some more..
Things will get better it will not always be this bad, your body just needs time to heal from the major trauma it just went through.
Really I was not 100% for a month!
Be kind to yourself and know in just a very short time this hard part will just be a memory

You look great Susan. I look forward to meet you and Sue and any other Sydneysiders when I visit next year. You have done so well.

So....work Christmas party is tonight. I have been finding lately that all of the good Christmas food is playing havoc with my tummy - dumping syndrome ahoy! So, I got a bit cheeky and sent around an email offering to have the party at my place - so I get to cook all of the food
I have made spinach and ricotta cannelloni with beetroot and spinach salad. Since it is Christmas I also made a chocolate Mousse layer cake (thanks Adriano Zumbo) but I don't have to eat that lol - I never eat dessert when we all go out anyway so they won't think it's odd.
Fingers crossed they will like my healthy (and delicious I am sure lol) version of Christmas Party food
Hope you're all coping well with the festive season! I am stoked that my weight is still dropping - dropped another kg this morning but I won't "call it" on the ticker until I've maintained it a few days lol...I've been deceived before
Cheers, Liss

Hi folks. I haven't been posting so much lately but read this thread every day. Welcome to the newbies and congrats to all on their weight loss. Sue, you look b#%^*y fantastic!
I'm still struggling with the same last 5 kilos - I could do more and need to get to it. My thyroid is still all over the place and that's frustrating. On my birthday earlier this month it was confirmed that I have a chronic leukemia - chronic means I'm not about to pop off anytime soon but still the thought of tough times ahead greatly depressed me and I'm only just coming out of that particular funk now. I also have 4 liver lesions that have been under investigation for a while and drs at last concluded these are benign (hooray) with possible pre-cancerous potential (boo!) and need to be cut out (double boo!). But they are deep in my liver and the op would be horrendous so for now I'm having 6 monthly scans and "watching and waiting". What a few months its been!
So here I am staring down my possible third cancer in 7 years and thinking that all those diet soft drinks I indulged in over the years may not have been the best for me. Anyway, I'm in a treatment lull for now and looking forward to going away to the beach soon WITH my swimsuit, for a change.
I'll try to attach a couple of photos - the first is not me at my highest by any means (and it's a horrible pic). I can't locate one of me at my worst. The second is me last Friday, going out to dinner. See how I go...

I was never given any restrictions on coffee. I'd kiss goodbye to all carbonated drinks - 9 months since I had any and except on the hottest of days I don't miss them at all now. Super cold Water and low cal iced tea or cordial do the trick.

SydneySusan - I am sorry to hear about your health problems. It must be very difficult to have more stuff after all you have been through, but you are obviously a survivor and you will find your way through this too. As Misty said, reach out to those around you and know we are also here for you even if it is just for someone to listen
And holy crap batman, you look a-freaking-mazing!
Cheers, Liss

Hi folks. I haven't been posting so much lately but read this thread every day. Welcome to the newbies and congrats to all on their weight loss. Sue, you look b#%^*y fantastic!
I'm still struggling with the same last 5 kilos - I could do more and need to get to it. My thyroid is still all over the place and that's frustrating. On my birthday earlier this month it was confirmed that I have a chronic leukemia - chronic means I'm not about to pop off anytime soon but still the thought of tough times ahead greatly depressed me and I'm only just coming out of that particular funk now. I also have 4 liver lesions that have been under investigation for a while and drs at last concluded these are benign (hooray) with possible pre-cancerous potential (boo!) and need to be cut out (double boo!). But they are deep in my liver and the op would be horrendous so for now I'm having 6 monthly scans and "watching and waiting". What a few months its been!
So here I am staring down my possible third cancer in 7 years and thinking that all those diet soft drinks I indulged in over the years may not have been the best for me. Anyway, I'm in a treatment lull for now and looking forward to going away to the beach soon WITH my swimsuit, for a change.
I'll try to attach a couple of photos - the first is not me at my highest by any means (and it's a horrible pic). I can't locate one of me at my worst. The second is me last Friday, going out to dinner. See how I go...